Well, it seems we finally know why TiVo was waxing poetic about software in recent months -- it's the way the company primarily plans to charge for its DVR hardware from now on. Following a week-long experiment of free-on-contract DVRs conducted last month, TiVo's opening up subsidized and partially subsidized pricing tiers to the entire US for those willing to chain themselves to a pricier $20 monthly fee. You can now get a TiVo Premiere for $0 on a two-year contract or $100 with a one-year arrangement, or pick up a TiVo Premiere XL for $300 on a one-year deal -- the same price the regular old 45-hour TiVo Premiere cost originally. TiVo's also kept the original $12.95-a-month plans around in case you want to pay full price for your hardware, which would normally make better financial sense after about three years, if not for the fact that there are still lifetime subscriptions available for $400 if you're truly in it for the long haul.
And a smart, new Prediction engine solves that nagging "what to watch" problem.
Huff Post Tech: It’s been a great run. I remember the very first moment I had in my hand the peanut-shaped controller that ran my TiVo DVR. It was magical. After a lifetime of TV programming me, setting my schedule, forcing me to make time to watch my favorite shows when they were broadcast, TiVo set me free. I was in control, I watched what I wanted when I wanted it. Oh yeah, and I skipped the commercials. I guess I knew I should watch them - but back then I was paying for cable and skipping interruption advertising seemed flat-out fair.
The TiVo Bolt integrates traditional cable and 4K streaming into a seamless, single system. It's lacking a bit in app variety, but if you're a serious TV enthusiast clinging on to cable, the Bolt is near unbeatable in what it offers.
